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Globalization and Change of Chinese Shrines in Samutsongkhram Province
Journal
University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce Journal
Publisher(s)
Chulalongkorn University Printing House
University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce
Date Issued
2008
Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce. Journal Editorial Office
Abstract
This article is a part of the research entitled "The Continuity and Change of ChineseShrines in Samutsongkhram Province," focusing on 23 Chinese Shrines registered underthe Department of Local Administration, Ministry of Interior. Among the 23 ChineseShrines, 4 of them were chosen for an in-depth study. The research methodology isqualitative with emphasis on the following techniques: participant observation, semistructuredinterview and focus group. This article aims to obtain an overall picture of theChinese Shrines in Samutsongkhram Province, concerning their numbers and settings,their roles in the community, and the changes taken place to these shrines due to changesin economy, society, and cultures. In terms of the roles of the Chinese Shrines in thecommunity, the findings reveal that they can help preserve the ethnic Chinese identity ofpeople living in the community. Moreover, they are still considered as the places of spiritual comfort, the places which house the sacred images of gods worshiped by the Chinese, theplaces for religious rituals and social events, the Clan Shrines, and the places for Chinesearts and cultural studies. The changes taken place to these Chinese Shrines inSamutsongkhram Province are closely related to the changes in the countryûs economy,society, and culture. This can be seen in some of the traditional rituals which havebeen adjusted to suit the modern society, while some, unfortunately, have died out.The shrinesû architectural design and construction are also affected. Besides, changescan also be observed through the shrinesû management and administrative systems,their roles as the community center for the Chinese, the communityûs participation inthe activities organized at the shrines, and the conservation of Chinese arts and cultures,i.e. Chinese opera (Ngiu), and language use.Based on these findings, some recommendations are offered on how to conserve anddevelop the Chinese Shrines in Samutsongkhram Province. For example, the shrinesûphysical appearance should be well maintained. The Shrines should organize religiousrituals and other festivals every year. The shrinesû historical accounts and importantreligious rituals should be documented. The government should provide more financialsupport and personnel so the religious rituals and other cultural activities can beappropriately organized.
Subject(s)
ISSN
0125-2437
Access Rights
public
Rights
This work is protected by copyright. Reproduction or distribution of the work in any format is prohibited without written permission of the copyright owner.
Rights Holder(s)
University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce
Bibliographic Citation
Ruenkaew Pattranupravat (2008) Globalization and Change of Chinese Shrines in Samutsongkhram Province. University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce Journal Vol.28 No.3.
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